Images of the Gray Birch (Betula populifolia)

Gray Birch

Betula populifolia

This tree, also called Fire Birch, Old-Field Birch or White Birch, is native to North America and prefers to grow in dry upland soils. This small deciduous tree is characterized by multiple trunks with chalky, grayish-white bark and slender drooping branches. Its flexible wood makes good firewood and is used to make spools.

Habitat:Grows in wet and dry areas.

Growth Habit:Deciduous, small tree growing rapidly up to 9 m tall, with multiple trunks, droopy branches.

Bloom Time:Early spring.

Longevity:Short-lived.

Presence in US:CT DE IL IN MA MD ME NC NH NJ NY OH PA RI VA VT WV

Presence in Canada:NB NS ON PE QC

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This project was supported in part by NSF Grant IIS-03-25867 (ITR: An Electronic Field Guide: Plant Exploration and Discovery in the 21st Century) and by the Washington Biologists' Field Club.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views, opinions, or policy of the National Science Foundation (NSF).